







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| How long does it usually take? | |
| Do you remember me? | |
| You don’t look like an English teacher to me. | |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | |
| I hope she is not a problematic one, then... | |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | |
| By the way, I like the colour of the walls... What do you think? | |
| By the way, the deposit is £3,000 and non-negotiable... | |
| I've got a meeting with some people. | |
| That's very interesting! | |
| Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |
| Do we have any paper towels? | |
| Everything is the same as it's advertised. | |
| But which button? It doesn't show which controls which! | |
| Do you expect me to make the room bigger by pushing the walls out? | |
| Really? Sade is one of my favourites, too. | |
| Are there any fries or any kind of snacks? | |
| So I don't snore everyday... | |
| Hello guys, you must be Cate, I'm Joseph. | |
| Did I? I don't know... What is it? | |